Long back when education was discussed, you were likely compelled to picture some students in a physical classroom, listening to a teacher imparting information to them and maybe writing a test under the watchful eye of a teacher or lecturer. But with so many technological changes occurring in the world. it shouldn't be surprising that these images are becoming outdated as well.
There is no doubt that technology has begun to find its way into the classroom, and nowhere is this more evident than with e-learning. The way education is conducted has changed and will continue to change as the need for people to learn online is increasing because of things such as the pandemic. In this article, we take a closer look at e-learning and how it is changing education.
What is e-learning?
While online education or e-learning isn't exactly new, many people are just beginning to understand what it truly entails. In a nutshell, the term e-learning refers to a method of providing formal learning- or classroom-type education that occurs outside a physical classroom.
Some educational institutions, in light of the covid-19 pandemic, have started to implement blended learning methods, whereby they employ both traditional and online learning. E-learning can take place through social media platforms like WhatsApp, while more structured courses may be hosted on Google classroom, LinkedIn Learning, and Coursera.
Why e-learning?
Is E-learning a new technology? No, it has been around for quite some time now: however, recent tech advancements; and global challenges such as coronavirus have acted as great driving forces on this game-changer. Technology has advanced, making it possible to learn online in the comfort of your home.
More so, at the onset of the pandemic, there was a need for education to be conducted online as there were several lockdowns in different countries and people could not attend physical classrooms as a covid-19 measure.
Also. recent changes in legislation have allowed lots of companies to offer educational benefits as part of their employee packages. All told, e-learning is an exciting way for individuals to continue learning throughout their lives while simultaneously keeping pace with rapid technological advances.
Most people use online courses for continuing professional development or to supplement their studies. Whether you're self-employed, working full time, studying part-time, or returning to work after a long break, online CPD courses can help you to learn new skills without having to leave your desk to go to a physical classroom.
What are the benefits of e-learning?
With e-learning systems, instructors are able to reach a wider audience at a single time because students can access course materials anytime from anywhere(as long as they have an internet connection). As a result, e-learning helps companies save on training costs and find highly skilled employees with specialized skillsets.
E-learning in schools also helps lower costs since costs of transportation, food, and printing learning materials are excluded. It's also a lot flexible as students can learn at their own pace and in the comfort of their homes.
E-learning helps you with information in a short space of time. Perhaps, you're working in a certain field and you just want to refresh your knowledge, e-learning can help you achieve that. There are several online courses out there, some with a duration as short as a week.
Some employers even offer such courses as benefits. If you want to brush up on specific topics in order to pass exams or to just stay up to date with information, you can take advantage of e-courses, and they could still get through everything quickly enough.
Where can you find e-learning courses?
As more and more colleges are implementing online learning, there are a lot of choices out there when it comes to courses. We recommend looking at free educational sites like Coursera, and Udacity for your basic courses. For Massive Open Online Courses, look at platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or Canvas Networks. Other educational institutions like Unicaf University offer online courses at a fee, and the good thing is that you can apply for scholarships.
Things you should think about first before enrolling in an online class
If you have decided to enroll in an online class, there are some considerations you have to make. It's important to find a virtual school that fits your learning style. Most schools offer trial periods or free courses, which are a great way to test-drive a program before enrolling.
Also, look for a reputable school with an established reputation. If you have any doubts about accreditation, check with your state department of education. As far as cost goes, take advantage of financial aid options if you can- it may be cheaper than taking in-person classes.
Final Verdict
The internet gives limitless possibilities to deliver instruction in virtual classrooms where students can interact with their teachers or classmates from anywhere at any time. These developments have made online learning possible for people from all walks of life, regardless of age, location, occupation, or financial means.
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